How to Apply

Applicants who have completed degree requirements in an accredited engineering program or its equivalent are eligible to apply for admission. A minimum grade point average of 3.25 (A = 4.00) for the last two years of undergraduate study is required.

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering have the option of entering the program with a bachelor's 

 master's degree. If entering with a bachelor's, students may earn their master's degree during the program or not at all.

(The information below applies to international students. 

Applicants should not apply to more than one ISE program per semester. All application materials may be uploaded online during the application process. Please DO NOT send official copies of transcripts, diplomas, reference letters, or scores. Applicants will be contacted if additional materials are required.

The following application materials must be submitted:

Academic statement answering the following questions in no more than 750 words: 

How has your academic background, including any training, research, or other academic experiences, prepared you for graduate study?

What are your intellectual interests and what scholarly questions are you interested in exploring in graduate study?

Are there any specific faculty members whose research interests align with your own that you would like to work with?

How will our program help you achieve your intellectual and professional goals?

Personal statement answering the following question in no more than 250 words:

Do you have any personal experiences, achievements, strengths, or circumstances not discussed in your academic statement that you would like to include or that you believe will help you succeed in our program?

Transcripts in English and native language (may be unofficial, but applicant name and university name must appear)

Certificate of degree in English and native language (if earned)

 as a potential option if you are not able to take it in person

Passport/Visa — a copy of your passport and current visa, if applicable, must be uploaded to the application. If you do not have a passport, you will be required to have one before the visa eligibility documents can be sent, if admitted.

See more information on these topics here.

Admissions Option 2

Students in our Ph.D. program are fully funded through The Grainger College of Engineering’s 

 during their first five years of enrollment. Students are guaranteed a funded appointment for fall and spring that includes a full tuition waiver, a partial fee waiver, and a stipend. Students are also eligible for summer support. Students must remain in Good Academic Standing and successfully perform the duties of their assistantships.

Students are also encouraged to seek out 

 through our department and various partners.

Scholarships and Funding Option 2

See modules and class list

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering have the option of entering the program with a bachelor's or master's degree. If entering with a bachelor's, students may earn their master's degree during the program or not at all.

12 hours of STEM course credit outside the major

12 hours of elective course credit chosen with advisor

Hold a minimum GPA of 3.25 to graduate from the program

Pass the final exam or dissertation defense

Curriculum

Rankings

Grainger Engineering Five-Year Ph.D. Funding Guarantee

, Ph.D. students in their first five years of enrollment are guaranteed a funded appointment for fall and spring that includes a full tuition waiver and stipend.

Program Tuition Fees Option 2

Take a virtual tour

In ISE research labs, faculty work alongside both undergraduate and graduate students to advance the science of engineering.

Autonomous and Unmanned Vehicle Systems Laboratory (AUVSL)

Enterprise Systems Optimizations Laboratory

Human Factors in Sociotechnical Systems (HFSS) Laboratory

Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation Research Laboratory

Reliability and Safety Assurance Laboratory

Facilities Option 2

Master

Engineering Studies

Systems Engineering

Business Studies

Entrepreneurship

The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a formidable force in engineering. Our sought-after faculty, top-flight rankings, and award-winning graduates haven't just turned heads - they've changed the world. The list of inventions and innovations, prize-winners and patents, solutions, and start-ups that have come from Grainger Engineering is too long to list. Our high-achieving and determined learners, coupled with our high standards and powerful opportunities, yield great rewards not only for our students but for all.

PhD in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering

Key Information

Introduction

Admissions

Scholarships and Funding

Curriculum

Entering with a master's degree

Entering with a bachelor's degree

Required for all students

Rankings

#11 Overall engineering graduate program

Program Tuition Fee

Facilities

About the School

Questions